2014 Recruits Destined to Choose Between SEC Powers

2014 Recruits Destined to Choose Between SEC Powers

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Louisiana WR Speedy Noil is likely to land in the SEC. (247Sports)

SEC supremacy in college football is essentially an accepted doctrine at this point. Seven straight BCS titles provide quite a convincing argument. The battle between conference powers extends beyond the playing field, evidenced by the envelopes received daily by top recruits.

The southeast United States is brimming with big-time high school talent, from the swampy Everglades of Florida to the urban districts of New Orleans. SEC schools annually stockpile talent from this region and, with the recent addition of Texas A&M, the conference's reach extends into the Lone Star State.

The 2014 recruiting class features several recruits whose options appear to come down to a tough (and enviable) decision between SEC foes. Here we identify prospects who are likely to land in the SEC, though their choice remains unclear.

5-Star OT David Sharpe (Jacksonville, Fla.)

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247Sports

David Sharpe is a prototypical offensive tackle who appears capable of taking on a starting role for multiple seasons at the college level. The 6'6", 290-pound Providence High School senior spent his summer touring SEC campuses.

He visited Georgia, Florida and South Carolina in May and June, according to 247Sports. He returned to Athens again in September.

5-Star WR Speedy Noil (New Orleans, La.)

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247Sports

Speedy Noil shines at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans. The 5-star wide receiver is listed as the nation's No. 1 prospect at his position by 247Sports.

He's one of several uncommitted playmakers in the Bayou who are coveted by college programs across the country. The race for his letter of intent certainly seems to come down to a cluster of SEC contenders.

247Sports lists LSU, Texas A&M and Florida as favorites to land Noil. He made an official visit to College Station in September, when he watched the Aggies host Alabama.

Noil visited LSU twice in April. Although he currently stars at quarterback, where he accumulated more than 3,500 total yards and 44 touchdowns as a junior, the 5'11", 175-pound prospect projects as a top-tier receiver at the next level.

5-Star LB Clifton Garrett (Plainfield, Ill.)

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247Sports

Clifton Garrett may be from America's heartland, but the linebacker has made it clear he plans to head south for his college football experience. Despite holding offers from Ohio State, Nebraska and Michigan State, the South Plainfield star intends on pursuing a career in the SEC.

He currently holds offers from Florida State, Ohio State, Duke, Oregon and others. However, it seems two SEC squads are rising to the forefront for his services.

Scott spent his first official visit in Knoxville. He visited the Tennessee Volunteers last weekend, according to 247Sports.

The running back was in attendance for the team's thrilling matchup with Georgia just one day after rushing for 174 yards and four touchdowns in a Havelock victory, per 247Sports.

However, another SEC squad looms large in his recruiting process.

Scott has listed South Carolina as his favorite for about a year, according to 247Sports. The Gamecocks remain front and center in his recruitment and won't be deterred by his visit to Tennessee.

4-Star WR Josh Malone (Gallatin, Tenn.)

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247Sports

Station Camp wide receiver Josh Malone remains a slightly raw prospect, but he has a dominant skill set. He runs a sub-4.5 40-yard-dash. He's 6'3" and 190 pounds, per 247Sports, and displays excellent mid-air adjustment skills.

While he is still heavily considering Florida State, 247Sports lists Tennessee, Georgia and Vanderbilt among his favorites. The Volunteers and Commodores clearly have an edge when it comes to proximity.

Malone spent an official visit at Georgia in late September. He was in Knoxville for an official visit last weekend.

Both the Bulldogs and Volunteers have established a track record in recent years of getting the ball to receivers and producing NFL prospects at the position. Malone has big-play ability and the size to compete for early playing time.

His senior season has been a display of dominance. Through six games, Malone has 33 receptions for 738 yards and 12 total touchdowns, according to 247Sports.

5-Star CB Marlon Humphrey (Hoover, Ala.)

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247Sports

Although strong flirtations with Florida State continue, national No. 1 cornerback prospect Marlon Humphrey remains engaged in longstanding recruiting processes with Alabama and Mississippi State. The Hoover High School star has been considered a Crimson Tide lean for a while. 247Sports' Crystal Ball gives Nick Saban a 96 percent chance to land a commitment from Humphrey.

He spent an unofficial visit in Tuscaloosa last weekend to see Alabama roll all over Georgia State. He visited Mississippi State in July.